2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2025 Land Rover Defender

The 2025 Land Rover Defender presented a rugged and customizable aesthetic, with the Defender 110 four-door model striking a balance between the stubby 90 and the visually heavy 130. Despite its unconventional looks, the Defender's appeal lay in its robust design and extensive customization options. The base price ranged from $58,525 to $120,525, with the Defender OCTA priced at $153,625. Our test vehicle, a Defender 130 in X trim, featured the Extended Black Exterior Pack and upgraded interior materials, bringing the MSRP to $106,092. The Gondwana Stone paint, paired with orange brake calipers and 20-inch wheels, was less visually appealing, suggesting that colors like Pangea Green or Santorini Black might be better choices. Inside, the Defender X boasted premium Windsor hides and Kvadrat fabric, maintaining an industrial theme with quality materials, though it wasn't a traditional luxury SUV.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a range of models, from the GLS 450 to the Maybach GLS 600, with prices spanning $91,600 to $181,350. Our GLS 450 test vehicle featured the new Manufaktur Edition Package, adding AMG wheels, the AMG Line Exterior Package, and more, bringing the MSRP to $96,400. The Manufaktur Silicon Grey paint didn't stand out, but the AMG and Night styling details enhanced the GLS's sporty appearance. Inside, the GLS shared similarities with the smaller GLE-Class, offering high-quality materials and detailing. However, body creaks were noticeable on chilly mornings. The GLS 450 came with standard artificial leather upholstery, with options for various grades of leather and interior trims. The dual 12.3-inch displays were well-integrated, and the GLS provided a tailored feel, making it easier to manage in urban settings compared to larger SUVs.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender's turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, paired with a mild-hybrid system, delivered 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive, allowed the Defender 130 X to accelerate to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. The Defender excelled off-road, with features like adaptive air suspension, Terrain Response 2 driving modes, and a maximum tow rating of 8,200 pounds. However, on-road performance was less thrilling, with the 5,685-pound curb weight affecting handling on twisty roads. The Defender's fuel economy was rated at 19 mpg combined, but our observed fuel economy was 16.2 mpg.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid assist, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel-drive, the GLS 450 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The GLS offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Off-Road, with a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The Airmatic adaptive suspension significantly improved ride and handling, providing a smooth driving experience. The GLS's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with an observed 19.4 mpg during testing. The GLS's powertrain occasionally exhibited delays in responsiveness, but it offered a tailored feel and was easier to manage in urban settings compared to larger SUVs.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 offered three rows of spacious seating, with 12-way power-adjustable front seats featuring heating and ventilation. The Defender's tall seating position provided excellent forward visibility, though the square side mirrors seemed undersized. A panoramic sunroof and large windows created an open and airy feel. The Defender's cargo space was limited, with 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 89 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The side-hinged cargo door was heavy and awkward, but a button in the cargo area allowed for lowering the air suspension to ease loading.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS provided standard seven-passenger seating, with a six-passenger configuration available. The GLS offered exceptional comfort, with features like a four-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated front seats, and optional massaging seats. The six-passenger configuration included power-operated second-row captain’s chairs with a pass-through to the third row. The GLS's cargo space measured 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. The cargo cover was a minor inconvenience during loading and unloading.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system with an 11.4-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system's response to voice commands was slower than preferred, but accuracy was impressive. The Defender also included a head-up display, ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system. The Meridian premium sound system provided excellent audio quality.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with dual 12.3-inch displays and the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system with augmented reality. The GLS was equipped with a Burmester surround-sound system, with an optional high-end Burmester 3D audio system. MBUX was user-friendly, with a digital assistant capable of executing various commands. The system performed well, except when searching for hospitals.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender included driver aids such as automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. The lane-keep assist was decisive, though it occasionally attempted to steer the Defender into a turnout area. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of testing.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems, including Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The GLS had a hands-on driver-assistance system with a touch-sensing steering wheel, which required active driver participation. The system occasionally struggled with curve-speed reduction and braking on exit ramps, but it behaved well with attentive drivers.